*Marathon organiser calls for more private participation in sports development*

The Organiser of the annual Owan Marathon race, Christopher Ojo, has called for more private participation in sports in Nigeria.

Ojo who spoke in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), in Benin on Thursday, said it was only through more private participation that sports development can witness tremendous growth in the country.

He said the multiplier effect of the growth of sporting activities, is one that would help curb several challenges confronting the country today.

Ojo noted that the issue of youths restiveness and unemployment, would be addressed with the growth of sporting activities.

He stressed that when left alone for the Government, Nigeria may never attain the level it hope to in the area of sporting activities.

According to him, "Government does not have the fund to fully take sport to the level we all want, even if the fund is there, and there is no way government can do it alone.

"Nigeria should, and must borrow a leaf from the developed world were sports development is driven by the private sector. Corporate organisations should take more active role in sponring sporting activities as part of their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)."

Ojo however said for this to be achieved, there was need for the government to provide the enabling environment.

"There is need for them to be provided with tax incentive or rebate to serve as encouragement," he said.

Speaking on this year edition of the Owan marathon, Ojo said the event which is scheduled for this Saturday, have seen more than 2000 athletes, from across the country, registered to participate.

He said he initiated the annual event in order groom long and short distance runners to stardom.

"We want to be able give marathoners from East Africa countries, and a run for their money," he stated.